'An Amish Garden' was written by four amazing Amish fiction authors, Beth Wiseman, Vannetta Chapman, Kathleen Fuller, and Tricia Goyer, whether is it a collection of novellas in a book or their individual books, a reader can not go wrong in selected any reading material from them.

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What a cute short story "Rooted in Love: An Amish Garden Novella" was by Beth Wiseman.

Any reader should be able to relate to this story. Your heart loves the other person you want to spend the rest of your life with, but can you get what you heard out of your mind and get your mind on the same page as your heart?

Five years Saul has waited for a second chance with Rosemary. Rosemary has had a life event that changed her life since she called off her first relationship court with Saul, but she's hold a secret from him that was her reasoning.

Can she tell him the secret? Will they have a second chance courtship?

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Ladies!! Do you need something for the man in your life to get the hint that you want him to romance you? Then "Flowers for Rachael: An Amish Garden Novella" by Kathleen Fuller is your answer; it is a short story for him to read. All the stories in this collect, An Amish Garden, may also help. Although, this one really gets to the point and you yourself can even do this, too.

I was so engrossed by this story that I did not want to see it end. More importantly I wanted to know what happened to the one animal in the story; I know, I know an animal c'mon you are to be more worried about what happens to the main characters who are human.

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In "Seeds of Love: An Amish Garden Novella" by Tricia Goyer, she sends us back to West Kootenai, Montana with new bachelors in this short story. The biggest message in this short story was Trust and "'For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it.'"* Tricia Goyer quoted from the Bible.

Sadie Chupp has relocated herself from Indiana to her Uncle, Aunt, and cousins' place in West Kootenai, after her sisters sold their parents property. Sadie brought with her her mother's special heirloom tomatoes, that have been passed down in the family for generations.

Eli Plank is the new bachelor to the area of the area. He comes from a family business of gardening and is a scribe of The Budget as he travels to Amish communities.

After a morning of misunderstanding in the presence of her cousins, he immediately befriends Sadie to help her with her tomato garden since Montana's climate is different from Indiana's.

When a visitor from the past comes to visit West Kootenai, Montana, will Sadie still trust Eli? Will all be lost?

I cant tell you the answer to those questions, you'll have to get the book to find out. And trust me, get the whole novella collections An Amish Garden you will be glad you did.

"Where Healing Blooms: An Amish Garden Novella" by Vannetta Chapman was different, in a good way, than most Amish books that I have read, but don't let that fool you. The main two characters are two widowed women, related by marriage. Daughter-in-law, Emma and mother-in-law, Mary Ann live in the same house that they have shared since Emma married into the Hochstetter family. Now it is just the two of them taking care of each other and the property. The neighbor man, Danny Eicher, whom is friend of the family, keeps a helping eye on the two of them and helps in the garden. But is there someone else on the property?

Mary Ann Hochstetter was my favorite character. Yes, she was old and wise, but she was so funny that one would not have thought she was old as what she was in the book just by reading it. And she had a secret up her sleeve as well. She revealed it at just the right time. (less)

I can't say enough about how much I love these omnibus novels. I like that the stories are short and they usually have one thing in common which is nice. There was one that I thought had a slow start, not naming titles, lol, but it ended up being just as good as the other three. I would like to thank the authors for doing these. I like longer books and enjoy series of books, it's just nice to read something like this once in awhile. Each of these authors did a great job!

Written by four authors - four stories. I love and have read all four authors and reviewed books for all of them.

All stories involve gardens. Each has a different message. In Rooted in Love, I felt love was endured until it was time for God's plan. In Flowers for Rachel, Rachel had a hard time accepting help. Gideon had a hard time expressing himself as a lot of men do around women. In Seeds of Love, it is about giving to others even if different from you and the giving will return to you. In When Healing Blooms, there is lots of healing to be done. Grief, women and kids needing a safe place, runaway boy, and a ministry started.

Each book could have a special review but I'm trying to cover all. You can read one story. Take a break. Read another.

I was excited to see this book - several of my favorite authors, and a subject that is dear to my heart - and it did not disappoint!

In "Rooted in Love," Beth Wiseman shows the age-old cost of eavesdropping. Will Rosemary miss out on the love of her life because she thinks she knows what's best for her future? The chemistry between her and Saul is true to life. I couldn't put this book down as I ached for them to experience God's best.

In "Flowers for Rachel," Kathleen Fuller writes a love story of shy and awkward Gideon and Rachel. Each chapter begins with a quote related to flowers, and they nicely summarize the growing relationship between these Amish young people. I felt this story was a bit predictable, but I like the ways the characters learned to show their love for one another.

Tricia Goyer gives us another glimpse into the Amish community of West Kootenai, Montana in "Seeds of Love"(If you haven't read her "Seven Brides for Seven Bachelors series, or the "Big Sky" novels that preceded those, this is a good excuse to start!). Sadie Chupp and Eli Plank are strangers who meet in a small Amish settlement when he travels west seeking adventure...or are they? It turns out their families knew each other in Indiana, and the connection wasn't always so friendly! Eli is a scribe for "The Budget," an Amish newspaper featuring letters from writers living in scores of different Amish communities. His wit and skills of observation make him well-suited to handle Sadie and her reservations. As usual, Goyer has a few twists up her sleeve, and gives a satisfying ending to this garden tale.

Last but certainly not least, Vannetta Chapman shows us "Where Healing Blooms." This is more than a romantic love story - it also describes the deep love and friendship between a woman and her mother-in-law (not unlike Ruth and Naomi in Scripture). This story of faith and redemption and yes, buried treasure, revolves around the family garden. As wise mother-n-law Mary Ann says, "Gardens are a reflection of God's love for us," and how gently and winsomely we see Emma and Danny discover that truth in a new way. This story describes the Amish commitment to the good of the community, not just one's own prosperity. I was delighted to watch these characters lean to deal with their pasts and come together for a common future. As Chapman quotes, "There is a time for everything, and a season for every purpose under heaven." I loved that this novella was based on mature characters, and not the usual fresh-faced 'maedel.'

Any one of these authors cold have written a full book on their storyline, but I really enjoyed having these nuggets together in one book. The time you spend here in these "gardens" will be fruitful time indeed.

Beth Wiseman has written a poignant Amish story of love and loss based on a conversation the main character overheard. Two people's lives are fraught with dismay that honesty, openness and trust would have assuaged. The author paints a realistic portrait of Amish life, creating characters with emotion and sensitivity. I enjoyed this short story of relationships and the developments that resulted despite a misunderstanding.

Flowers for Rachel by Kathleen Fuller

Kathleen Fuller has depicted Rachel and Gideon's friendship in a very tender and expressive perspective. The Amish lifestyle is well described, and Rachel's relationship with her "grossdaadi" is amusing and entertaining. The author used very touching quotations at the headings of each chapter, appropriate to the content and very thought provoking. I enjoyed that addition to the story. The development of Rachel and Gideon's relationship was very charming and endearing.

Seeds of Love by Tricia Goyer

Considerable loss and loneliness are pivotal factors in the life of Tricia Goyer's protagonist. Life-changing events set the mood for this expressive narrative. Heirloom tomato seeds are all that remain from Sadie's past, and a misunderstanding affects her attitude toward immediate family members. The young man depicted in this story is presented with compassion and a depth of character. The events throughout this novella are heartrending and poignant, and misconceptions are emotive.

Where Healing Blooms by Vannetta Chapman

Spring has arrived in Shipshewana, and Mary Ann's garden is once again her haven. Her daughter-in-law, Emma, joins her in weeding and tending to the garden, more expansive and prolific with each passing year. The garden haven holds secrets that no one could suspect. Vannetta Chapman weaves a story with depth and perception that places her in a category all her own. Her characters are strong and the setting picturesque. There's no guessing the ensuing events in this well-written novella. Much diversity is revealed in this extraordinary short story and I craved more, but the author wrapped up all loose ends bringing closure to this impressive novella.

Faith, hope and love are strong elements in each of these novellas, and God's timing is always perfect, making for four well-written and very enjoyable novellas in this compilation. I highly recommend this collection of Amish garden stories, each containing very enjoyable story lines in their own right.

Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own, and no monetary compensation was received for this review.